ALEXANDRIA. The cuisine is authentic Tex-Mex and so is the atmosphere at this popular restaurant and bar. The colorful interior features Native American art and plenty of Southwestern accents. The menu offers all the classics, including fajitas, quesadillas, and enchiladas, but each enjoys a special spin that pushes the cuisine above the norm. Try the Alamo Enchilada, a stack of tortillas layered with flavorful chicken and spicy homemade tomato sauce. Plenty of margaritas, nachos, and Mexican beers make Alamo a fun place to meet up with friends. No reservations. Casual attire.

FAIRFAX. Cuisine at this low-key restaurant is not Mexican but New Mexican ­ it takes cues from traditional Mexican cuisine but tones down the heat and adds a homestyle, back-to-basics touch. Making the trek for homemade chips and salsa and huge enchiladas and tacos has become a tradition with some Virginia families, who have frequented Anita's for decades. You can't go wrong with the creative daily specials either. Fun and laid-back with great value and friendly service. Casual attire.

FAIRFAX. California-style Mexican fare takes the forefront at this casual eatery. The simple interior offers little of the expected Mexican fanfare, but the condiment area proves otherwise. It features salsas with roasted tomato and tomatillo, not to mention cilantro-infused pico de gallo. They add a spicy kick to blistered Monterey Jack quesadillas and fish tacos. Tacos, in fact, are a specialty, stuffed with high-quality Baja-style steak or zesty marinated chicken. Huge servings, great food, and rock-bottom prices keep customers coming back.

CAPITOL HILL. This sunny café surrounds diners with vibrant art, lively music, and loads of fun. Inspired by the cuisines of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, the menu offers tropical dishes that bring customers back for more. The signature, ropa vieja, combines torn beef with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and plantains; its zesty flavor is quintessentially Cuban. You'll also find sizzling fajitas, a chunky seafood stew, and carnitas, a spicy dish made with pork and oranges. During happy hour, you can listen to the piano bar's live music while munching chips and salsa. A mariachi band serenades patrons during Sunday brunch.

OLD TOWN. This two-story establishment boasts a lively atmosphere, authentic Latin American cuisine, and a wide selection of drinks. While you're there, choose a favorite drink, and accompany it with scallops and squid mixed with red onions and lime juice, a steaming bowl of fish soup, or even a grilled steak. After 10pm, salsa dancers take over the restaurant's main floor, pushing back tables and dancing. The upscale decor features wooden floors, large mirrors, and yellow walls. Smart casual dress. METRO: King Street